Sawyer's New Love

Sawyer has an all time favorite toy right now. And it is balls.

He goes around the house, picking them up and saying (at least 12 times) "A ball! A ball!"

He is always aware of where they are.

And has gotten quite talented at throwing them.

Look at that mile wide grin.

Folks, I think I've got an athlete on my hands.

And I love it!

Tower

Sunday afternoons can get all of us a bit stir crazy. The work week begins the following day, and we are all just a little whacked out from 3 hours of church.

A 14 can tower quickly fixes everything!

Which Kyle steadied while Avery became possessive of it.

Which lead to Sawyer tears.

Which lead to a solo photo.

Yup, we are never hard up for entertainment around here.

Mountain of Snow

One perk of living in an apartment complex is the MOUNTAIN of snow the plows make in your parking lot.

Sure it keeps you from using some parking spaces but we are focusing on the positive right now.

Like sitting on the mountain to take pictures! That's a major positive.

Adding a sibling by your side to suffer through the cold with you is even better though.

And even funner when Mom joins in!

Adding Dad is almost too much to handle. At least according to Avery.

Plus, how cute are little boys in jeans and boots?

Even if they are hand-me-down boots from his sister...it's good for the character right?

Avery is wearing a hand-me-up sweatshirt from Sawyer, so it's all good and fair. :)

Making a snowman is a must when we play outside, even if the snow is lousy for packing.

He gives Olaf from Frozen a run for his money.

Or at least I think so.

It was time to go inside when Sawyer decided to lay down on the porch step and wouldn't budge...ahhh children.

I tell you, this has been one. long. winter.

Haircut

It all started innocent enough.

We had finished breakfast and I popped on a PBS Kids show from the Roku (love that little gadget) and I was ready to enjoy some quality time with Daniel Tiger and my kids.

That is, until I noticed Sawyer’s blonde hair spilling over his ears and down his neck. How long has his hair looked like? I thought. 

That’s when I pulled out the spray bottle and scissors.  

This can’t be too hard. I’ve trimmed my bangs before (unsuccessfully I might add, but of course I didn’t remember that part of the story right then,) and I’ve watched a youtube video before I cut Avery’s. This should be no problem.

Well, I was right. It wasn’t a problem. It was problemS. As in plural. Let me lay it out for you.  

First problem, I have had absolutely 0 training in cutting hair. But I’m a fairly intelligent person. If I could really do damage with these scissors they would have asked to see some kind of “hair cutting license” when I purchased them.

Second problem, the spray bottle wouldn’t work. No worries! I’ll just dump water into my hands and rub that on his hair. Close enough, right?

Third problem, our TV is on our counter to free up more room in the family room. Meaning, our kids have to tilt their heads up to watch TV. Easy Peasy! I’ll just cut most Sawyer's hair while he is looking up and holding still, and then I'll even it out when Sawyer looks down to read his book.

Well, it goes without saying (but I am saying it anyway,) this was an absolute train wreck of an idea.

Within 10 seconds, my son went from being a bit scruffy to having an A-line.

Or, to be more accurate, a zigzag Aline.

Bah!!! Can you believe that?

I thought about trying to smooth it out, but clearly it was time for me to put the scissors down and walk away. 

So, we have been wearing lots of hats lately.

Good thing he is only one years old and doesn't know how to check out the back of his head in a mirror... 

Once he can I might be kicked off his favorite people list...

Happy Golden Birthday

It happened! I had my Golden Birthday! And it was wonderful!

It was full of some of the sweetest phone calls I have ever received in my life. (Yes, my phone is 5 years old.)

I got flowers for the first time in who knows how long. They were star gazer lilies and they were beautiful when they opened! I really should have thought to take a picture of them when they bloomed...

I painted my fingers and toes "golden" while my children graced me with a 2 hour simultaneous nap. I definitely fit in a little Rocky Balboa watching during that time.

I got yummy treats and thoughtful gifts from friends. Kyle and I even went out to dinner over the following weekend while a friend watched both kids. That is a first for us folks!

So yeah, I'm almost a month into it now, and I must say that 28 so far is pretty freakin amazing!

2 Kids is Cute

The first year of having these two kids was a lot of work and honestly the hardest thing I've ever done.

Something about Avery tackling Sawyer, ripping off his socks, and putting headbands on him every five seconds.

Or Sawyer diving headfirst into the bathtub in the morning and Avery showering bath toys on top of him.

I kid with these examples, but I'm serious when I say that 2013 challenged (read: almost devoured) me.

But 2014 is getting more fun (and cuter!) every day.

These kids get to chase after each other.

They get to keep track of each other.

They get to be each others wing man.

And they get to photo bomb each other!

So this whole "being 15 months apart" is starting to feel more and more like a blessing! :)

Which it absolutely is.

Hello 2014, I am so glad you are here!

Bradleys

After spending 2 1/2 weeks in Colorado, it is hard for us to say what we enjoyed the most.

The keyboard is always a hit.

And playing with new Christmas presents is always awesome.

Actually getting ready for the day was a nice change!

Food always tastes better in someone else's home (that is a fact.)

Art projects with Kyle's Mom are a must.

Avery telling Rufus to "get it" with his treat in person (instead of over Skype) was darling.

Having a running companion was wonderful (even though he did steal a good 3 newspapers every time we went out.)

Spending a couple weeks with this guy was amazing.

We loved having a swing just outside the backdoor!

Especially with a willing Grandma to do the pushing.

Even if it was a little sunny...

Having a yard to sled in,

or make a snow angel in,

to build a little snowman in,

or a big snowman with a celery nose and pinecone ears in,

or just to walk off in. Having a yard is pretty incredible.

Having a Grandpa to spin you,

and hold your hands when you are walking,

to pick you up when you are chilly,

and hold you tight when you are a little bit grouchy,

and to watch you when you are playing in the yard. Having a Grandpa is fantastic.

Having a Grandma who is always eager to hold you,

and give you hugs,

and give you kisses,

and to look at you like you are a million bucks. Having a Grandma is perfect.

So what did we enjoy most? Probably Rufus

 ...

just kidding.

We loved being with family

 ...

and Rufus. :)